WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
‘Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.’ (World Health Organisation)
Our Christian vision has the development of the whole child at its centre and we aim to help children develop in all areas to enable them to become happy, well-rounded, resilient young people. We have trained mental health first aiders and staff are aware of what signs to look out for. Pupils are encouraged to share any concerns and we have a robust policy in place as well as comprehensive signposting to external agencies.
To read our Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy please Click Here
KEY PEOPLE YOU CAN TALK TO
Mr. A. Wheatley (Headteacher)
Lead Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health First Aider
Mrs. F. O’Reilly (Key Stage 2 Lead)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health First Aider
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis and need medical help fast:
Ring 999 to contact emergency services
If it is not a medical emergency, but you still need urgent help:
Ring 111 for professional health advice 24/7 and 265 days a year for guidance on where to access appropriate health services
Speak to your GP
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES
The Children and Young People’s Service provides a single service to all children and young people aged 0-18 years living in Northumberland who present with mental health difficulties. This includes children and young people who may have learning difficulties and those living in a range of difficult and challenging circumstances.
The service is able to provide:
- Assessment, diagnosis and intervention on a range of mental health issues;
- Intensive response and home-based treatment for those children and young people whose mental health is causing significant concern;
- An intensive Eating Disorder Service to support children and young people on the eating disorder pathway who are at risk of inpatient admission;
- Training, consultation, support and advice to front line staff working in targeted services for children.
To contact CYPS (Northumberland) – telephone: 01670 502700 or
For urgent or emergency referrals requiring a response within 24 hours call: 0303 1231146
To contact CYPS (Newcastle) – telephone: 0191 2466913
OTHER AGENCIES WHO COULD HELP
The School recognises that there are many agencies providing support across the Country and this list is intended to be a useful guide as it would be impossible to include all agencies providing support. A fuller list is available in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy. Therefore inclusion or non-inclusion in this list does not signify that the School either endorses or does not endorse the activities of a particular organisation.
The School is also not responsible for the information or services provided by external organisations.
MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE (INC. CRISIS SUPPORT)
Samaritans
Telephone: 116 123 (freephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org
Provides emotional and crisis support for people at any time. They allow people to talk about feelings of distress and despair and are confidential, offering non-judgemental support.
Papyrus
Telephone: 0800 0684141 (freephone helpline 10am-10pm Mon-Fri, 2pm-10pm weekends)
email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Website: www.papyryus-uk.org
Papyrus is the National charity for the prevention of young suicide. It runs HOPElineUK a dedicated suicide prevention hotline for anyone up to the age of 35 who may be feeling suicidal, or anyone who is concerned about a young person.
Mind Infoline
Telephone: 0300 1233393 (local call rates 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri)
Text: 86463
Provides information on types of mental health issues, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments and advocacy. They cannot provide emotional or crisis support.
SUPPORT IN DEALING WITH ABUSE
NSPCC
Telephone: 0808 8005000 (freephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
The NSPCC is the children’s charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty. Provides a dedicated helpline for adults concerned that a child might be at risk.
Childline
Telephone: 0800 1111 (freephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Provides free confidential counselling and emotional support for children and young people. Online chat services with a counsellor are also available on the website.
SUPPORT WITH EATING DISORDERS
Beat
Telephone: 0345 6341414 (helpline for anyone over 18)
Telephone: 0345 6347650 (Youthline for anyone under 25)
email: help@b-eat.co.uk (18 or over) or
fyp@b-eat.co.uk (25 or under)
Website: www.b-eat.co.uk
Beat is the UK’s leading charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders. It runs helpline for adults and young people, online support as well as peer support groups across the country.
SUPPORT FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER (LGBT)
Stonewall
Telephone: 0800 0502020 (freephone information service)
email: info@stonewall.org.uk
Website: www.stonewall.org.uk
Stonewall supports all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people with a range of help and advice services.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IN THE ARMED FORCES
Red Cypher
Website: www.3rhappma.com/what-we-do/
Red Cypher support the comradeship, welfare provision, emotional support and community of all those past and present members of 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (3RHA) by providing financial assistance to relieve those who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress and to enhance the quality of life of those with links to 3RHA.